BURGAW, NC (WECT) - Leaders in Burgaw are urging people to watch out for coyotes and also take steps to help keep them out of town.

Burgaw's Town Manager, Chad McEwen, says they've received a couple of complaints from people who have seen coyotes just streets away from the downtown square in the past few weeks. He says neighbors should be aware and take steps to help keep the coyotes from coming around.

Make sure food isn't around. Feed your pets inside and make sure trash is secure. You are also advised to pick up any fallen fruit from trees in your yard.

Keep a close eye on your pets. Make sure they are on a leash, or make sure they are in a fenced in area.

What to do if you see a coyote

If you see a coyote, officers say you should avoid it, but you can try to scare it away.

"If it's in your yard near your house throw something at it, squirt water at it from the hose, yell at it, don't be intimidated. Let the coyote know it shouldn't be there," said Sgt. Jordan.

Horace Thompson who lives near the Burgaw Courthouse, says he captured a coyote on camera just outside his house on New Year's Day.

A few days before he says he saw one with his own eyes. He says the coyote was attacking a cat, so while staying near the back door he started screaming at the coyote and eventually used a flashlight to try to scare it away. He says the coyote walked off towards the post office.

The Town Manager says right now they are looking over their options when it comes to the animal. He says both Wildlife and Animal Control told him that they don't have programs for trapping the animals, so if the town wants to take action they would need to hire someone.

Youngstown State University student Albert Maruna was caught red-handed and arrested this week after he allegedly attempted to have sex with a 15-year-old boy, who turned out to be an undercover officer.

Youngstown State University student Albert Maruna was caught red-handed and arrested this week after he allegedly attempted to have sex with a 15-year-old boy, who turned out to be an undercover officer.